Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/216003
SAG-AFTRA'S first convention shapes future of union 58 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org S ANGELA WEISS/SAG-AFTRA united for our future AG-AFTRA is ready to take on the future. It has completed its executive officers team, approved new constitutional amendments and has an energized membership following its first biennial convention Sept. 26-29 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. At the convention, delegates completed some of the most important union business since merger. The theme United for Our Future was reflected throughout the convention, and in SAG-AFTRA National President Ken Howard's opening remarks. "When we work together, we are a powerful voice. When we work together, we are proud and strong. When we work together, we are an unstoppable force that diligently and selflessly works to empower and strengthen the union and our fellow members. Unity is our greatest strength," he said. The evening before the convention began with a welcome reception for delegates hosted at the hotel by the Los Angeles Local. The reception featured a slate of distinguished speakers, including recently elected Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; Los Angeles Local President and soon-to-be-elected National Vice President, Los Angeles Clyde Kusatsu; actor Jon Tenney and CBS2 anchor Pat Harvey. On Sept. 26, the convention began in earnest, with an address from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to the nearly 350 convention delegates elected from the 25 locals. Trumka underscored the importance of merger. "I have no doubt that the merger of SAG and AFTRA has built a stronger union. It is a victory for your combined membership — and the early results are exciting," he said. Then the delegates got down to work. Topping the to-do list was the election of the executive vice president and the seven national vice presidents. Delegates chose Gabrielle Carteris to fill the EVP spot (see page 20 to find out who was elected to the other offices). In the evening, delegates were treated to a special prerelease screening of Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.